In his illustrious career, the French designer Christian Liaigre created furniture and private interiors with a minimalist and restrained sensibility that would become his trademark, but never at the cost of luxury. When he began designing furniture in the 1980s, Liaigre’s clean lines and no-frills approach caused a stir and was considered unusual for the era. But what Liaigre knew best was creating elegant, exquisite designs that would stand the test of time.
Liaigre studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. He initially began as a furniture designer, opening his studio in 1985 before he would move toward interiors. His bold, timeless pieces were made in France using luxurious materials such as marble and cashmere in a soothing palette of neutral tones that look fresh to this day. Later, Liaigre began to design private interiors — from homes of influential figures like Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld to holiday homes, offices and the cabins of private yachts. He designed the interiors of the Art Deco–era Hotel Montalembert in Paris and became known in the United States for his design of the Mercer Hotel in New York City, which opened in 1997. Soon afterward, he found himself working for hotelier Ian Schrager.
To each of his interior design projects Liaigre brought his minimalist touch, which was born from his ability to distill a broad range of inspirations — from Brancusi sculptures and African art to Art Deco furniture — into simple, balanced forms. The modest beauty of his popular Nagato stool, a small and sculptural piece of seating designed in oak in 1986, represents this vision clearly and points to some more of Liaigre’s influences: the stillness found in Donald Judd’s minimalist art and many aspects of Japanese culture.
Liaigre, who earned comparisons to celebrated French designers Jean-Michel Frank and Jean Royère, was also known for his visionary use of natural and unconventional materials and is considered to be one of the first to use wenge, an African hardwood, in combination with traditional timber such as oak in his furnishings. Liaigre’s creative foresight has ensured that today he is one of the most influential and widely imitated designers of the 20th century.
Find a range of Christian Liaigre seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$10,000 / set
Pair of Christian Liaigre "Sudd" Stools Red Leather
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt square red leather "Sudd" stools. The stools are upholstered in Holly Hunt leather with hammered bronze legs. Made in France. Ships from Philadel...
Iron
Set of 4 Christian Liaigre “Archipel” Counter Stools for Holly Hunt, USA
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined set of four “Archipel” counter stools designed by Christian Liaigre and manufactured by Holly Hunt, exemplifying Liaigre’s disciplined approach to proportion, material inte...
Leather, Oak
$4,700 / item
Bazane Stool
By Christian Liaigre
Located in New York, NY
Frame description: Oak, wire brushed Frame finish: Charbon Other description: Leather Seat Other finish: Cavallino - Noir Oak WB, Charbon/Noir Cavallino.
Leather, Oak
Pair of Modern Tufted Leather X Frame Stools
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern tufted leather X frame stool, classic meets contemporary with this versatile piece. The top boxed cushion is crafted in rich brown leather accented with button tufting, it s...
Metal
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood...
Wood, Oak
Evam Stool
Located in Udaipur, IN
The Evam Stool is a striking work of handcrafted furniture design, made from solid reclaimed teak and carved by hand by a master craftsman in Udaipur, India. Beyond its functional us...
Teak
Hono Stool
By Jason Horvath
Located in Denver, PA
The Hono stool started with our rediscovery of Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese burning technique that preserves wood through charring. Inspired by the me...
Pine
$1,850 / item
H 33 in W 18.5 in D 19 in
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Arms, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern with a comfortable cushion in the thick weave fabric color of your choice. Sleek black metal rods complete the frame for stability, function, and aesthetic. We offer these counter stools in dining seat height or bar height as well. These can be made for outdoor use as well, or other indoor woods. We absolutely love this one! Price is per stool. specs Period/Model: New; Modern Specs: White Oak, Natural Commercial Grade Finish Customizable: Yes! It's what we do :) dimensions H: 33" W: 18.5" D: 19" Seat H: 24" SKU: Bertu Counter Stools...
Oak
Christian Liaigre Style Dining Chairs, 6
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Six Christian Liaigre Style Dining Armchairs, with taupe upholstery on wood legs. 33" H x 24.5" W x 25" D; seat: 19" H; armrests: 26" H. Provenance: From an 157 West 57th St...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,155Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 27 in W 17 in D 13.5 in
Jasper Morrison Hi Pad Counter Stools for Cappellini - Set of Three
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Three Hi Pad counter stools with foot rests designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini. The Hi Pad stool features a seat in beech plywood padded with multi-density polyurethan...
Steel
2010s Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Cordovan Bench, 1x Available
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Cordovan Wooden Bench, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. The listed price includes one bench, and we currently have two available for purchase. Their design fea...
Steel
Pair of Theodore Alexander Director's Stools in Leather
By Theodore Alexander
Located in High Point, NC
A sable mahogany and brass mounted stool in the manner of Thomas Hope, with slung seat, with lion head arm terminals, on a turned ‘X’ base. The look of original Regency period furni...
Leather
On Hold|$5,450
H 31 in W 35 in D 35 in
Christian Liaigre Opium Lounge Chair by Holly Hunt, 21st Century
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Fabulous lounge chair by Christian Liaigre at Holly Hunt.
Upholstery, Wood
$6,550
H 14.5 in W 69.75 in D 15 in
Christian Liaigre Pirogue Bench or Coffee Table Holly Hunt Art Deco Style 70"L
By HOLLY HUNT, Christian Liaigre
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural "Pirogue" Model Bench, designed by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt, American, circa 1990s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bench or coffee table.
Wood
Pair of Klismos Stools, Ottoman, Black Leather
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Miami, FL
Pair Klismos Stools, black leather. Sold by Theodore Alexander. Width is measured from bottom of legs.
Leather, Wood
Holly Hunt Style Red Vinyl Bar Stools, Pair
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Style Red Vinyl Covered Bar Stools. 45" H x 18" W x 19" D; seat: 31" H. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 16 in W 60 in D 14 in
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Leather and Bronze Bench, Minimal Modern France
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Leather and Bronze bench, Minimal Modern France. Cream leather top. Solid metal base. Sleek and minimal with substantial weight. No longer in product...
Bronze
Christian Liaigre, Mercer Hotel Bar Chairs, Set of 4
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Astoria, NY
Christian Liaigre (French, 1943-2020) Mercer Kitchen (designed 1997) bar chairs, each with curved back the stained plywood frame with taupe-covered seat above tapering square legs conjoined by stretchers. Measures: 39" H x 19" W x 16.6" D x 27" seat height. Provenance: The Mercer Kitchen, Mercer Hotel...
Fabric, Plywood
Sold
H 16 in W 60 in D 14 in
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Leather and Bronze Bench, Minimal Modern France
By Christian Liaigre, HOLLY HUNT
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Leather and Bronze bench, Minimal Modern France. Cream leather top. Solid metal base. Sleek and minimal with substa...
Bronze
Sold
H 17.72 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Pair of Patinated Bronze Stools Model 'Sud' by Christian Liaigre
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of patinated bronze stools model 'Sud' by Christian Liaigre.
Bronze
Christian Liaigere "Nagato" Table/Stool
By Christian Liaigre
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hard to find original signed "Nagato" side table or stool designed by renowned French furniture and interior designer Christian Liaigere for Holly Hunt. Made from raw natural oak wit...
Christian Liaigre "Giacometti" Bench for Holly Hunt
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Hamburg, PA
A wonderful simple line "Giacometti" bench by Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt. Black supple leather, saddle stitched, with Giacometti designed iron base.
Iron